E. Shepard Farrar is a highly experienced institutional investment leader and Board expert, with over 40 years of experience across diverse industries and global markets. She specialises in managing multi-asset portfolios ranging from £15 million to £15 billion, developing financial and risk policies, and building high-performing multinational teams. As a Qualified Financial Expert, Shepard is renowned for her expertise in governance, investment management, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
She has held senior leadership positions at leading organisations, including Head of Retirement Plans Investments at the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), Director of U.S. Equities at the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust, and Senior Investment Advisor at UMWA Health & Retirement Funds. Over the course of her career, Shepard has advised numerous corporate, non-profit, and multiemployer boards, and has worked with the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) to develop governance curriculum. Her international experience includes economic development consulting in West Africa and volunteering in several countries across Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Recognised as one of the Most Influential Women in Investment Management by Institutional Investor, Shepard has also been featured in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America. She holds a BA from Princeton University, an MBA in Global Economic Development, and holds Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), and Project Management Professional (PMP) designations.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shepard is committed to community service, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and coaching through ReacHIRE. An avid athlete, she holds a Kempo Black Belt, is a Category 2 cyclist, and has represented Team USA in duathlons.